Scottish Health Award for NCC member

Dr Scott Mackie with his family

Dr Scott Mackie was the recipient of the Scottish Health Awards 2019 Optometrist Category held at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on 14 November.

The patient nominated award was judged to represent excellence and empathy for Scottish NHS patients and was presented by Jeane Freeman, cabinet secretary for health and sport.

Scott’s patient, who has incomplete chromatopsia and type-two cone dystrophy, a very rare visual impairment leading to limited vision, total colour-blindness and the inability for the eyes to adjust to light, stated: “Perhaps the most valuable thing that Dr Mackie has provided me with is the unwavering support that allows me to speak out for myself today. I now have confidence and self-assured nature to speak up when I’m struggling with my vision”.

Drs Scott and Dr Roisin Mackie (centre) both have two independent practices in NHS Lanarkshire.

Scott, who is a member of the ABDO National Clinical Committee, dispensed specially adapted spectacles to eliminate photophobia, supplied low vision aids and designed bespoke contact lenses.

He said: “It is a privilege to work in a profession such as dispensing and optometry and to be recognised in this way; it was even more special with my family present.”